'Duty or obligation': How AJ aims to create new legacy in PNG

Alex Johnston already has a statue at Rabbitohs headquarters in Maroubra but the greatest tryscorer in premiership history could create a more important legacy in Papua New Guinea.

It’s why Johnston believed he had a “duty or an obligation” to join the Chiefs as soon as it was announced that a Papua New Guinea team would enter the NRL in 2028.

Johnston, who is Kumul No.294, will become Player #002 for the Chiefs after signing a one-year deal to join Jarome Luai at the NRL’s newest and most ambitious franchise.

“When the team got announced, I felt like I had to go over there just to represent my family and my nan as best I can,” said Johnston, whose grandmother Mary was born in PNG and raised in Sandaun Province.

“I only get to go over twice a year if I'm lucky through the Kumuls and the work I do with Lae Biscuits. I love it when I go over there, obviously with the atmosphere when I'm playing, but also the community and how they get around rugby league, and how much it means to them.”

After announcing Johnston's signing, the Chiefs released a video of a young PNG boy dreaming to be Alex Johnston, like how Johnston played a young boy dreaming of being Greg Inglis in the 2009 NRL commercial.

Like Luai, Johnston is excited by the opportunity to unite Papua New Guinea behind the Chiefs and improve the quality of life for people in the only country which has rugby league as its official sport.

He has witnessed first-hand the impact the game can have since making his debut for the Kumuls in 2019 and wants to inspire change.

“I think there's a great chance to make great change,” Johnston said.

“For one, rugby league’s the biggest thing in the world over there, so if everyone can unite and have something each week to cheer for together and strive for success for PNG in rugby league, it's only going to drive peace and harmony, and put smiles on people's faces by giving them something to look forward to.

“If we're driving messages as a PNG Chief, it's only going to get people to listen. We've got myself and Jarome Lulai, who's massive in the game, and if there's messages that we need to get across to try and benefit people, we'll drive that. I think it'll definitely help other people in PNG.

“I only get to go over twice a year if I'm lucky through the Kumuls and the work I do with Lae Biscuits. I love it when I go over there, obviously with the atmosphere when I'm playing, but also the community and how they get around rugby league, and how much it means to them.

“The work I do in the community, going to schools, doing clinics, and just seeing the smiles on all the kids' faces, it's honestly the best thing I do every year, so now I get to go over in 2028 and have a whole year there.”

The record tryscorer, who sparked wild celebrations at Allianz Stadium when he surpassed Ken Irvine’s tally of 212 tries in Round 3 against Sydney Roosters, admitted it was hard to leave Souths but received the blessing of the club and coach Wayne Bennett to join the Chiefs.

He will move to Port Moresby with wife Taryn and their three children.

“Myself and my family are really looking forward to making the move,” Johnston said.

“Obviously being a one club player my whole career it was a big decision to make, but I think with PNG coming into the NRL it sort of was meant to be and I look forward to making the move.”

Johnston is the first PNG player to join the Chiefs, but GM of football Michael Chammas told NRL.com that there will be more, with the goal to eventually field a team of locally developed talent.

“I'm still buzzing, just to finally put pen to paper and I can't wait to actually get over there in 2028 and to play with guys like Luai and build something massive and drive change over there,” Johnston said.

“I know the talent that they've got firsthand from when I play with the Kumuls, and a number of those boys would definitely do well in an NRL system so I look forward to see who Chammas and (CEO) Lorna McPherson decide to chase and go after.

“It’s obviously going to benefit kids growing up and seeing local boys getting a crack in the NRL, so we'll give them something to strive for and it's only going to be good for the game.”

Asked about the atmosphere at the Chiefs opening game in Papua New Guinea, Johnston said: “The first game will be crazy. My first experience playing over there was nuts.

“I can only imagine it will be that and more than the experience that I had, so I can't wait for everyone else to experience what I've experienced; that atmosphere, how crazy they are for the game and how much love they have for the players. It's going to be a great time.”

Johnston played down concerns about safety in Papua New Guinea, particularly for NRL stars.

"The only concern is if you're going to shake too many hands or get too many photos and your face is hurting at the end of the day," he said.

"They just absolutely love you, they are not going to do anything to you at all. It's probably the safest place in the world to be, being a rugby league player and being the family of a rugby league player, as well, so I’ve got no fears of safety at all."